UPVC replacement sealed unit

[mac42]

I got my replacement sealed unit today, and it's got tape round the edges. I googled if I'm supposed to remove it before fitting and the answer was 'yes', and I started doing that, but it's pulling bits of the spacer bar rubber with it, so it looks like I need to cut it off and it looks like this is going to be a tedious job to do neatly. Just wondering Is this normal?

thanks!

 

[RandomGrinch]

I googled if I'm supposed to remove it before fitting and the answer was 'yes',

Don't trust Google!
Although the tape doesn't need to be there for any structural purposes, it also doesn't need to be removed.
Simply keep it in place!

 

[opps]

I suspect that the tape is there so that you don't cut your fingers when handling it.

I don't see why it would need to be removed other than when the tape is visible after the unit is fitted.